Tottenham told to stub out use of online exchange to sell matchday tickets

Tottenham fans today urged the Premier League to stop the club using StubHub to sell tickets because the resale platform has led to prices being pushed up for games at White Hart Lane.

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) are unhappy that 91 per cent of tickets for games available via the online marketplace are being sold above face value.

They want the Premier League to stop clubs using ticket exchanges to generate additional revenue.

Spurs receive a one-off payment for their two-year partnership with StubHub, which earns commission on any tickets sold on its website.

StubHub allows fans to set their own price when selling tickets and that has resulted in tickets going for considerably more than the face value.

A THST spokesman said: “We want the Premier League to take a stand on this and say, ‘Let’s look after football fans.’ We would like Spurs to cancel their deal with StubHub but we know that is not going to happen. We want the Premier League to introduce something that is more fan-viable.

“A ticket exchange should be a service to supporters, not a means of pushing up ticket prices or generating additional revenue.”

Tickets for Tottenham’s home game with Chelsea in September sold at an average price of 135 per cent above face value.

Premier League rules allow clubs to sell tickets through a secondary agent and StubHub also has a partnership with Everton and Sunderland.

Fourteen or more clubs would need to vote in favour of a change in regulations.

A StubHub spokesperson said: “StubHub does not purchase or own ticket inventory nor set prices — our role is to act as a neutral facilitator by providing a safe, secure trading environment.

“Our marketplace has provided a positive experience to nearly one fifth of season ticket holders — all of whom have sold on StubHub having been unable to attend specific matches.

“This is alongside over 6,500 fans who were able to be at White Hart Lane in their place.

“As with any event, the level of supply and demand for a game will influence the price.”

In support of THST, the Football Supporters’ Federation said: “Fans already find ticket prices more than demanding.

“The introduction of an additional level of profiteering at our expense can only serve to price more fans out of the game and must be resisted.”